NAS Patuxent River Joint Land Use Study Public Workshop Set for Sept. 30
The public is invited to participate in a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) workshop for the Southern Maryland region (St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert Counties). The workshop, which includes a presentation and round table discussion, will be held on Monday, Sept. 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department (46900 South Shangri-La Drive in Lexington Park).
The JLUS addresses compatibility planning for areas surrounding Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS PAX). The JLUS will identify current and/or potential land use issues impacting NAS PAX missions and operations. The JLUS will explore how NAS PAX and local jurisdictions might work together through enhanced communication and coordination to best achieve the mutual goals of all stakeholders. The JLUS will assess 24 compatibility factors (man-made and natural factors) such as: noise, aircraft safety zones, frequency interference, alternative energy development, vertical obstructions, interagency coordination, water quality/quantity, and roadway capacity.
The study's objective is to develop a set of recommendations that will guide compatibility planning around NAS PAX to accommodate new growth and economic development, protect public health and safety, and sustain the operational missions of the base. To develop a plan that is responsive to local needs, public input is critical. Citizens are encouraged to attend and learn more about this planning process and provide input on relevant issues.
The Tri-County Council is conducting the JLUS in cooperation with regional planning organizations, including: the Mid-Shore Regional Council, Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore, Northern Neck Planning District Commission, local jurisdictions, and other agencies and organizations.
The first set of workshops will be held throughout the region in four different locations. Each workshop will be tailored to the specific location where it is being conducted. For more information, visit http://www.paxjlus.com or contact Ms. Katrina Tucker, AICP, Director of Regional Planning at 301-274-1922 (select 2 then extension *816) or ktucker(at)tccsmd.org.
Public Forum Scheduled for Oct. 2
The Charles County Board of Commissioners would like to inform citizens that the next public forum will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. in the Commissioners' Meeting Room at the Charles County Government Building (200 Baltimore Street, La Plata). Sign-in will begin at 5:30 p.m. outside the Commissioner Meeting Room. Public forums are open to the general public.
While offering a public forum is important to the Commissioners, it is also necessary to ensure that the Commissioners are allowed enough time to conduct other County business. Therefore, the following guidelines have been established for public forums:
-- Any person wishing to speak during the public forum segment must sign the sign-in sheet upon entering the room.
-- Individuals are free to speak about any topic affecting Charles County residents.
-- Comments should be concise and to the point and limited to three minutes. The actual time limit will be at the discretion of the Commissioner President based on the agenda for the evening and the time available.
-- Making a presentation using slide projectors or overhead projectors is not appropriate for public forum. Individuals with topics that require more time or who desire to make a more formal presentation than is allowed under these guidelines, contact the Clerk to the County Commissioners at 301-645-0550 for further information related to the Commissioner meeting agendas.
-- Engaging in active debate with the Board of Commissioners or audience members will not be allowed. All comments and questions must be directed to the Board.
-- Public forum is not to be used as a candidates' forum.
-- Remarks must be respectful and courteous, free of name-calling and personal attacks. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated. Comments presented in a dignified manner have more credibility.
-- Comments to the Board of Commissioners do not constitute formal complaints, are not considered requests for records under the Public Records Act, and do not require staff response unless directed to do so by the Board.
The Board of Commissioners appreciates the cooperation of citizens in honoring these guidelines, and looks forward to hearing from the public.
Dates and times for upcoming public forums will available on the Commissioners' published meeting agenda. Commissioner meeting agendas are available online at: http://www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
For more information, contact Ms. Crystal Hunt, Public Information Officer, at 301-645-0580 or HuntC(at)CharlesCounty.org. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Commissioners Proclaim September as National Preparedness Month
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Charles County Board of Commissioners proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month is a national effort encouraging Americans to prepare for home, business and school emergencies. This event aims to provide public awareness concerning emergency preparation, as well as persuade individuals to take action.
During the month of September, the Charles County Department of Emergency Services urges citizens to better prepare themselves and their families for emergencies. Emergency Services promotes emergency preparedness by maintaining Charles County's designation from the National Weather Service as "StormReady," coordinating Skywarn "Spotter" training from the Nationals Weather Service, and training Community Emergency Response Teams and the County Animal Response Teams on disaster preparedness.